Erlichman
photographic apparatus



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Z E gNveNToR ATTORNEYS United States Patent Oce Re. 26,921 Reissued June30, 1970 26,921 PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS Irving Erlichman, Natick, Mass.,assignor to Polaroid Corporation, Cambridge, Mass., a corporation ofDelaware Original No. 3,152,529, dated Oct. 13, 1964. Ser. No.

48,666, Aug. 10, 1960. Application for reissue Oct. 12, 1965, Ser. No.497,600

Int. Cl. G03b I7/52 U.S. Cl. 95-13 38 Claims Matter enclosed in heavybrackets appears in the original patent but forms no part of thisreissue specification; matter printed in italics indicates the additionsmade by reissue.

This invention relates to photographic apparatus and, more particularly,to novel apparatus for exposing and thereafter processing photosensitivematerials.

Photographic apparatus of the type with which the present invention isconcerned generally includes means for exposing the photosensitive layerof a photosensitive element, superposing a second element with theexposed photosensitive element and distributing a uid processing agentbetween the superposed elements to effect the processing of the exposedphotosensitive layer located between the elements, preferably to producea transfer image in an image-receiving layer carried on one of theelements between the outer surfaces thereof. In the particular type ofapparatus comprehended by the present invention, distribution of thefiuid processing agent is effected, following exposure of thephotosensitive element, by moving the elements in superposition relativet and between a pair of juxtaposed pressure-applying members comprisingthe apparatus in which exposure is made. The processing of thephotosensitive element is such as to require the superpositioninig ofpredetermined surfaces of the two elements and heretofore, for thispurpose, the elements have been connected and arranged in such a waythat the predetermined surfaces are superpositioned merely by drawingthe two elements relative to and between the pressure-applying members.The elements heretofore have been arranged initially with at leastportions of the two surfaces in superposition; or the elements have beenconnected by leader sheets or by carrier sheets on which they aremounted, in which case the leader sheets or carrier sheets are coupledand arranged, either with the appropriate surfaces in superposition, orso connected that such surfaces will be superposed when the leadersheets or carrier sheets are moved between the pressureapplying members.Thus the relationship between the surfaces of the two elements and theleader or carrier sheets, when superposed, could be considered to beessentially fixed to the extent that superpositioning of twopredetermined surfaces was assured by merely drawing or pulling the twoelements between a pair of pressureapplying members.

An object of the invention is: to provide photographic apparatus of thetype described for use with photographic film assemblages, eachcomprising photosensitive and second elements initially connected andarranged for exposure in such a way as to require drawing of saidelements between a pair of pressure-applying members and notation of oneof the elements relative to the other through 180 about an axis lying insaid one element and extending at right angles to the direction ofmovement of said one element between said pressure-applying members.

Another object of the invention is: to provide, in photographicapparatus of the type described, means for engaging a photosensitiveelement mounted at an edge on a carrier sheet and pivoting saidphotosensitive element through about said edge relative to said carriersheet.

A further object of the invention is: to provide photographic apparatusof the type described for use with a photographic film assemblageincluding photosensitive and second elements aranged in superpositionwith first surfaces of the elements located in face-to-face relation,and including means for separating and then resuperposing the elementswith a second surface of one of the elements in face-to-face relationwith the first surface of the other element.

Still another object of the invention is to provide photographicapparatus of the type described in the form of a camera including meansfor exposing and processing a photographic film assemblage of the abovetype.

Other objects of the invention will in part be obvious and will in partappear hereinafter.

The invention accordingly comprises the apparatus possessing theconstruction, combination of elements and arrangement of parts which areexemplified in the following detailed disclosure, and the scope of theapplication of which will be indicated in the claims.

For a fuller understanding of the nature and objects of the invention,reference should be had to the following detailed description taken inconnection with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. l is a perspective view, partially in section, of a photographicfilm unit designed for use with the apparatus of the invention:

FIGS. 2 and 3 are perspective views of components of the film unit ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a sectional view of another form of photographic filmassemblage, the section being taken substantially `midway between thesides of the film assemblage;

FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic showing of components of the film assemblage ofFIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a sectional view of photographic apparatus in the form of acamera embodying the invention and designed for use with the filmassemblage of FIG. 4;

FIGS. 7 and 8 are fragmentary views, partially in section, of a portionof the operating mechanism of the camera of FIG. 6, the mechanism beingillustrated in three of its operating positions;

FIG. 9 is a sectional view taken substantially along the line 9 9 ofFIG. 6;

FIG. l0 is a sectional view of another form of camera embodying theinvention, the section being taken substantially midway between thesides of the camera;

FIG. ll is a sectional view, similar to FIG. l0, of another embodimentof a camera incorporating the invention;

FIG. 12 is a fragmentary view showing in detail a portion of the cameraof FIG. l1; and

FIGS. 13 and 14 are sectional views of portions of a photographic filmassemblage useful in the camera of FIG. 1l, illustrating two stages ofthe processing of said film assemblage.

The photographic apparatus of the invention may take the form of acamera for use with one of two basic types of lm assemblages adapted tobe exposed and processed in the camera. One type of film assemblage issimilar to the lilm assemblage shown in U.S. Pat. No. 2,579,587, issuedDec. 25, 1951, to `Edwin H. Land and comprises two elongated strips, oneincluding a succession of photosensitive elements or exposure framesadapted to be exposed in the camera and the other strip, including asuccession of second or print-receiving elements (or areas) which aresuperposed with the photosensitive elements following exposure thereof.The two strips are initially provided as separate rolls and are joinedto one another at their leading end sections with the appropirate sidesof the two strips in facing relation. The processing fluid is carried ina succession of rupturable containers mounted on one of the strips andis spread between the facing surfaces of the two strips. Camerasdesigned for use with this type of film assemblage, (see for exampleU.S. Pat. No. 2,455,111, issued Nov. 30, 1948, in the name of Joseph F.Carbone et al.) include means for positioning the photosensitive strip,or photosensitive elements mounted on a carrier strip, for exposure withthe surface of the strip or photosensitive elements against which thefluid is to be spread facing the exposure means (lens) of the camera. Itmay be desirable (for reasons which will appear hereinafter) whileemploying this basic form of camera and film assemblage, to expose thesurface of each photosensitive element which is opposite the surface ofeach element against which the processing fluid is spread. This is madepossible by the apparatus and the film assemblages comprising thepresent invention,

The other basic type of film assemblage takes the form of a film unit ora film pack or magazine comprising a d plurality of individual filmunits. Each film unit includes a. photosensitive element, a secondelement which is superposed with the photosensitive element followingexposure thereof and for processing, and a rupturable container ofprocessing fluid arranged to release its ocntents between the superposedphotosensitive and second elements following exposure of thephotosensitive element and superpositioning of the elements` In the filmunits of the invention, the photosensitive and second elements of eachfilm unit are arranged with first surfaces thereof in superposition andare connected to one another in such a way that one of the elements canbe pivoted through 180 with respect to the other element to bring theopposite surface of the pivoted element into facing relation with thefirst surface of the other element. This makes it possible, for example,to arrange a plurality of film units in stacked relation in a magazinewith the photosensitive and second elements in alternating relation andthe second element of each film unit arranged outermost so as to preventexposure of the photosensitive element of each film unit. The secondelement of each film unit is separated from the photosensitive elementto permit the latter to be exposed and, during this separation, thesecond element is rotated through 180 with respect to the photosensitiveelement prior to being resuperposed therewith.

In the preferred form of the film assemblage, each photosensitiveelement cormprises a photosensitive silver halide emulsion adapted to beexposed for producing a developable latent image therein. The secondelement (with which the photosensitive element is superposed duringprocessing) may merely aid in the distribution of the fluid processingcomposition on the photosensitive element, or it may comprise animage-receptive element or support for a transfer image produced as aresult of the development of a latent image in the exposed silver halideemulsion. The fluid processing composition preferably includes a silverhalide developer and, when distributed in a thin layer `between thephotosensitive and image-receptive elements, is adapted to the formationof an image by the transfer of image-forming substances resulting fromthe development of the latent image in the silver halide. Thephotosensitive element, second element and fluid processing compositioncomprise a film unit which is processed preferably to effect theformation of a positive silver transfer print; and further examples ofmaterials useful in such lm units are described in U.S. Pats. Nos.2,543,181, issued Feb. 27, 1951, and 2,662,- 822, issued Dec. 15, 1953,both in the name of Edwin H. Land.

One form of film unit is shown at 10 in FIGS. 1 through 3 of thedrawings and is adapted to be employed individually, or it may compriseone of assemblage of film units. Film unit 10 includes a photosensitivesheet 12 comprising a silver halide emulsion layer on a suitablesupport, such as paper, plastic or any of the conventional film basematerials. Photosensitive sheet 12 is mounted on an elongated supportsheet 14 which is slightly wider and substantially longer thanphotosensitive sheet 12 and comprises the rear panel of an envelope 1S,shown in FIGS 1 and 2. Envelope 15, including support sheet 14,preferably comprises a. material such as black paper, metal foil or thelike, which is opaque to light actinic to the photosensitive sheet,whereby the support sheet provides an outer opaque layer for the filmunit. A second or print-receiving sheet 16, generally coextensive withthe photosensitive sheet, is provided secured to second support sheet 18(see FIGS. 1 and 3), the latter also being oapque to actinic light andsusbtantially longer (by approximately the length of said second sheet)than support sheet 14.

Envelope 15 comprises a forward panel 20 having a generally rectangularaperture 22 formed therein. Aperture 22 is located toward the trailingend of the envelope and is bounded at the trailing end of the envelope`by trailing end section 24 of forward panel 20. The forward panel alsoincludes lateral marginal sections 26 at the sides of aperture 22.Photosensitive sheet 12 is mounted within the envelope on the portion ofsupport sheet 14 nearest the trailing end of the support sheet inalignment with aperture 22, with the photosensitive layer of thephotosensitive sheet facing the aperture.

Second support sheet 18 includes a first intermediate section 28, atleast equal in length to the second sheet 16, for mounting second sheet16. The width of section 28 is approximately equal to that of supportsheet 14 so that the lateral margins of first intermediate section 28project beyond the lateral margins of second sheet 16. Second supportsheet 18 includes a second intermediate section 30 substantially longerthan section 28 and a folded leading end section 32. Second intermediatesection 30 and leading end section 32 of the second support sheet areapproximately equal in width to support sheet 14.

In the assembled form of the film unit shown in FIG. 1, firstintermediate section 28 of second support sheet 18 is folded toward theleading end of the film unit so that it lies against intermediatesection 3()y with second sheet 16 disposed outermost. Secondintermediate section 30 is superposed with photosensitive sheet 12, andthe lateral margins of first and second intermediate sections 28 and 30are engaged within envelope 15 between lateral marginal sections 26 andsupport sheet 14, the envelope thereby retaining the film unit in itsassembled form. The leading end of second sheet 16, that is, the endthereof in the region of the fold in second support sheet 18 and locatedadjacent the trailing end of the film unit, is retained in the pocketformed by trailing end marginal section 24 and support sheet 14.Envelope 1S is provided with an opening 34 at its leading end and secondintermediate section 30 is positioned within the envelope betweenforward panel 20 and support sheet 14 with leading end section 32projecting through opening 34 to provide a leader for manipulating thefilm unit in a manner to be described hereinafter. The envelope andsecond support sheet 18 cooperate to provide a light-tight enclosure forphotosensitive sheet l2, preventing light from entering between firstand second intermediate sections 28 and 30 of second support sheet 18and around the leading end of photosensitive sheet 12.

Film unit 10 includes a quantity of a fluid processing compositionprovided in a rupturable container 36 secured to support sheet 14adjacent the leading end of photosensitive sheet 12 between sheet 14 andforward panel 20. Container 36 comprises a rectangular blank of a sheetmaterial, for example a multi-ply material which is impervious to airand the fluid processing composition. The blank is folded longitudinallyand its end and longiltudinal margins are sealed together to form acavity for containing the processing fluid. The longitudinal edge sealof the container is weaker than the end seals. is directed toward thephotosensitive sheet (and the trailing end of the film unit) and isadapted to become unsealed in response to the application of compressivepressure to the container, for providing a mouth through which thecontents of the container are released or discharged substantiallyunidirectionally.

Processing of the film unit, following exposure of the photosensitivesheet, is effected by superposing second sheet 16 with thephotosensitive sheet and moving the two sheets and the container,commencing with the container, between a pair of pressure-applyingmembers for rupturing the container, causing its contents to bedischarged between the sheets and for distributing the fluid processingcomposition in a thin layer therebetween. As a means for controlling thethickness of the layer of processing fluid and for defining the areabetween the sheets in which processing and formation of a transfer imageoccur, there is provided a mask sheet 38 secured to print-receivingsheet 16 along the margins and at the ends of the print-receiving sheet,and having a generally rectangular aperture 40 defining the area of theprint-receiving sheet in which the positive print is formed. In theembodiment of film unit shown, print-receiving sheet 16 is secured tomask sheet 38 and the leading end of the mask sheet is secured to secondintermediate section of second support sheet 18. Container 36 ispreferably so positioned that the longitudinal marginal portions of thecontainer comprising the sides of the discharge mouth extend between theleading ends of the photosensitive sheet and the mask sheet in order toinsure discharge of the Huid contents of the container between thephotosensitive and print-receiving sheets.

Film unit 10 is intended to be employed in photographic apparatus,particularly a camera, similar in many respects to the camera shown inFIG. 6 of the drawings. The camera includes a pair of pressure-applyingmembers between which the film unit is withdrawn from the camera toeffect its processing. rThe pressure-applying members may be of any oneof different constructions, a pair of juxtaposed rolls biased toward oneanother being the preferred form shown. Prior to processing, however,the film unit must be introduced into the camera and, prior to exposure,the print-receiving sheet must be spaced apart from the photosensitivesheet to permit exposure of the latter. Film unit 10 is particularlyadapted to be employed individually, that is, a single film unit 10 isintroduced into the camera, is exposed and thereafter withdrawn toeffect its processing. A camera for this purpose will include an openingor passage located adjacent the pressure-applying rolls through whichthe film unit is both introduced into and withdrawn from the camera.Means may be provided on the camera for temporarily spacing thepressure-applying rolls apart whereby the film unit may be introducedand moved into exposure position without the application of compressivepressure to the container of the film unit. When the film unit is inexposure position, the pressureapplying rolls may then be allowed tocome together and will engage the film unit between the container andthe leading end of the film unit, the latter projecting from the camera.

To separate the print-receiving sheet and the trailing and intermediatesections thereof from the photosensitive sheet to permit exposure of thelatter, the operator grasps the leading end section 32 of second supportsheet 18, withdrawing the latter through opening 34 between supportsheet 14 and forward panel 20. The camera includes a wedge-shaped devicelocated in contact with forward panel 20 adjacent the inside of thepressure-applying rolls, adapted to engage first intermediate section 28of second support sheet 18 and guide first intermediate section 28 andprint-receiving sheet 16, mounted thereon, into a chamber in the cameraas the second support sheet is withdrawn. Movement of the trailing endsection of the second sheet and the print-receiving sheet in thischamber, which may be disposed at an acute angle With respect to theplane of the photosensitive sheet, is continued until the fold (shown bya broken line in FIG. 3) between first intermediate section 28 andsecond intermediate section 30 is engaged by the forward panel 20 at theleading edge of opening 22. To insure proper guidance of firstintermediate section 28 by projection of this wedge-shaped memberbetween it and second intermediate section 30, support sheet 18 isprovided with a trailing end section 42 folded back upon itself andextending outside of forward panel 20 at the leading edge of aperture22. This arrangement also insures that this wedge-shaped member will notproject between first intermediate section 28 and the second sheetmounted thereon.

To facilitate the above-described manipulation of first intermediatesetcion 28 and second sheet 16 mounted thereon, a slit 44 is provided ineach lateral marginal section 26 adjacent the leading edge of aperture22 and spaced therefrom toward the trailing end of the film unit so asto provide short lateral portions 46 which extend inwardly toward oneanother between first intermediate section 28 and second intermediatesection 30. In this manner light-sealing of the film unit is effectedwhile permitting first intermediate section 28 to extend outside of theenvelope. Manipulation of the film unit is further facilitated by theprovision of indentations or recesses 48 in the lateral margins of firstand second intermediate sections 28 and 30 of second support sheet 18 inthe region of the fold in said support sheet.

When movement of second support sheet 18 is arrested by engagement ofthe fold in the support sheet by forward panel 20, photosensitive sheet12 is left uncovered and may be exposed. Second intermediate section 30of the second support sheet projects a considerable length beyond theleading end of the envelope and may. if desired, be torn from theremainder of second support sheet 18 remaining within the envelope andattached to the second sheet. For this purpose the second intermediatesection of second support sheet 18 is weakened by perforating orprecutting. To process the film unit following exposure of thephotosensitive sheet, the operator grasps the leading end of the filmunit at the leading end of envelope 15 and draws the entire film unitbetween the pressure-applying members from the camera. Printreceivingsheet 16 is thereby superposed with photosensitive sheet 12 and thecontainer, photosensitive and printreceiving sheets and the trailing endsections of the two support sheets are drawn between thepressure-applying members for discharging the fluid contents of thecontainer between the photosensitive and second sheets and spreading thefiuid therebetween.

The layer of processing uid spread between the photosensitive andprint-receiving sheets functions to laminate the two sheets together,preventing exposure of the photosensitive sheet as the film unit iswithdrawn from the camera. Lateral marginal sections 26 and end marginalsection 24 of envelope 15 also function to prevent light from enteringbetween the margins of the photosensitive and print-receiving sheets.Any excess fiuid processing composition that may be squeezed frombetween the ends of the photosensitive and second sheets is trapped inthe pocket formed by end marginal section 24. The photosensitive andsecond sheets are permitted to remain in superposition with the layer ofliuid processing composition therebetween during a predeterminedprocessing period, at the end of which they are stripped apart, the maskpreferably adhering to the photosensitive sheet. Thereafter, theprint-receiving sheet, which may comprise a positive photographic print,is separated from first intermediate section 28 of second support sheet18.

In the film unit shown and the apparatus described, separation orspacing apart of the print-receiving sheet from the negative iseffected, when the negative is in exposure position, by drawing a leaderor support sheet from the apparatus. During the interval between theintroduction and the withdrawal of the film unit, the printreceivingsheet is pivoted, in effect, from a position in a plane substantiallyparallel with the photosensitive sheet, with one surface disposedadjacent the photosensitive sheet, through approximately 180Q about atransverse line, to a position with its opposite surface insuperposition with the photosensitive sheet.

An assemblage, designated S4, of a plurality of film units, wherein theprint-receiving sheets are adapted to be manipulated in a similarmanner, is shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 of the drawings. Assemblage 54comprises a plurality of film units or pairs of photosensitive andprint-receiving sheets interconnected with one another and adapted to beexposed and processed in predetermined succession. The film unitscomprising assemblage 54 are contained in a magazine or housing whichholds the assemblages in assembled form, prevents exposure of thephotosensitive sheets and permits the film units to be exposed andprocessed, one at a time and in predetermined succession, simply andexpeditiously.

Assemblage 54 comprises a plurality of photosensitive sheets S6, anequal number of second or print-receiving sheets 58 arranged alternatelyin stacked relation, and containers 60 of fiuid processing composition,the photosensitive and print-receiving sheets and processing fiuid beingcomposed substantially as described. The assemblage comprises a housingor box 62, generally parallelepiped in shape, and including a forwardwall 64 having therein an enlarged rectangular exposure aperture 66through which photosensitive sheets 56 in the housing may be exposed.Forward wall 64 includes a second aperture 68 adjacent what is termedthe leading end of the assemblage and through which the film unitscomprising the assemblage can be withdrawn from housing 62.

Each print-receiving sheet 58 is mounted on a support sheet 70 having alength which exceeds twice the length of the print-receiving sheet.Support sheet 70 comprises an intermediate section 7l having arectangular aperture 72 defining the picture area and adapted tofunction as a mask, the print-receiving sheet being secured to theintermediate section of the support sheet at the margins of aperture 72.Support sheet 70 also includes a relatively short trailing end section74 extending around the trailing end of the print-receiving sheet and aleading end section 76 which is somewhat longer than the print-receivingsheet and is folded around the leading end of the print-receiving sheetso as to extend behind the print-receiving sheet past the trailing endthereof. The print-receiving sheet or at least an outer layer thereofcomprises a material opaque to actinic light and, preferably, thesupport sheet also comprises a material opaque to actinic light.

Film assemblage 54 includes an elongated carrier sheet 78, alsocomprising a material opaque to actinic light. Support sheets 70 aresecured at their leading ends at regularly spaced intervals to carriersheet 78, the spacing along the carrier sheet between masking sheetsbeing at least twice the length of the print-receiving sheets andpreferably longer. Each photosensitive sheet 56 is secured adjacent itsleading end to carrier sheet 78 at a position immediately following theprint-receiving and support sheet corresponding to said photosensitivesheet between said support sheet and the next successive support sheet.The leading end of the photosensitive sheet is spaced along the carriersheet from its corresponding support sheet by substantially the lengthof leading end section 76 of the supported sheet, so that, when thesupport sheet is unfolded and the carrier sheet is extended to itsfullest, the photosensitive and print-receiving sheets will registerwith one another and can be super-posed. A container 60 is mounted oncarrier sheet 78 adjacent the leading end of each photosensitive sheet.The arrangement of photosensitive and print-receiving sheets, containersand support sheets on carrier sheet 78 is illustrated schematically inFIG. 5.

In the assembled form of the film assemblage, the printreceiving sheetof the rst film unit is located adjacent forward wall 64 withintermediate section 71 of support sheet 70 disposed closest the forwardwall, so that the trailing end of the print-receiving sheet is locatedclosest the leading end of the assemblage adjacent aperture 68. Thephotosensitive sheet of the first film unit and the container associatedtherewith are located behind the first print-receiving sheet and a firstportion, designated 78a, of carrier sheet 78, extending between thefirst support sheet and the first photosensitive sheet, comprises a foldlocated between the leading end 76 of the first support sheet and thefirst photosensitive sheet. The second print-receiving sheet (of asecond film unit) and its support sheet are arranged in the same manneras the first photosensitive sheet and support sheet with a secondportion, designated 78b, of carrier sheet 78, extending between thefirst photosensitive sheet and the second support sheet, comprising afold located between the first photosensitive sheet and the intermediatesection 71 of the second support sheet. Subsequent photosensitivesheets, support sheets, printreceiving sheets and portions of thecarrier sheet are similarly arranged in succession.

Assemblage 54 includes a spring 80 and pressure plate 82 located withinhousing 62 behind the film units for urging them forward against forwardwall 64 so that each photosensitive sheet is positioned for exposureagainst the forward wall across exposure aperture 66. In the assembledform shown, the first print-receiving sheet seals aperture 66 againstthe admission of light, preventing exposure of the photosensitivesheets.

The film assemblage 54 is intended to be loaded into, and employed in,photographic apparatus such as a camera, shown in FIG. 6 of thedrawings. With the assemblage in the camera, to make an exposure theoperator pulls on carrier sheet 78, thereby drawing the rstprintreceiving sheet from housing 62 through aperture 68, therebyleaving the first photosensitive sheet uncovered and in position forexposure. To process the first film unit, following exposure of thephotosensitive sheet, the operator again pulls on the carrier sheet,drawing the rst container 60 and the first photosensitive sheet (of thefirst film unit) from housing 62 through aperture 68 into superpositionwith the first print-receiving sheet, both sheets being guided andmanipulated by means in the camera. To assure the withdrawal of the filmunits, one at a time, from the housing, a lip 84 comprising the leadingedge of aperture 68 is provided, so that containers 60, attached tocarrier sheet 78, extend to the leading end of the housing where theypartially underlie lip 84.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 6 through 9 of the drawings wherein thereis illustrated a camera, designated 86, embodying the invention and withwhich lm assemblage 54 is adapted to be employed. Camera 86 comprises ahousing having a forward section 88 and a rear section 90, the forwardhousing section including a forward wall having a recessed or reentrantsection 92 and side walls 94. A curved door 96 is provided, pivotallymounted on the forward wall at the lower edge of reentrant section 92for closing the recess or chamber' defined by the reentrant section and,in the preferred form, for supporting a conventional lens and shutterassembly 98. A bellows 100 is provided for connecting the lens andshutter assembly with the reentrant section, and a suitable erectingmechanism (not shown) is provided for mounting the lens and shutterassembly so that it, and the bellows, may be folded into the chamberprovided by the reentrant section when door 96 is closed.

Rear housing section 90 cooperates with the forward housing section toprovide a chamber located behind reentrant section 92 and adapted tocontain film assemblage 54 in position for exposure. To permit loadingof film assemblage 54 into the camera, near housing section 90 ispivotally secured to forward housing section 88 at the upper end of thecamera housing by such means as a hinge 102. Suitable latch means (notshown) are provided in the lower portion of the housing for retainingthe two housing sections together in the operative relation shown. Thelower portion of the camera housing is provided with a passage 104defined by the rear housing section and the lower forward wall section106, said passage communicating with the exterior of the camera wherebysheet materials, comprising a film assemblage mounted within thehousing, can be withdrawn therefrom. The expressions upper and lower areused herein merely for the purpose of description to indicate thelocations of components of the apparatus when the latter is disposed inthe position shown, and not in a limiting sense.

Camera 86 includes pressure-applying means for distributing fluidprocessing composition between the photosensitive and print-receivingsheets of each film unit as the sheets are withdrawn from the camerathrough passage 104. In the form shown, the pressure-applying meanscomprise a pair of rigid cylindrical rolls 108 and 110 mounted injuxtaposition with their axes substantially parallel within the lowerportion of the housing between passage 104 and the leading (lower) endof film assemblage 54. Roll 108 includes stub shafts 112 projecting fromits ends and journaled in a U-shaped support member 114 mounted on rearhousing section 90, whereby roll 108 is free to rotate. Roll 110includes a pair of stub shafts 116 extending from its ends and rotatablyjournaled in slots 120 in the rearwardly projecting arms of a secondsupport member 118 mounted within the camera housing on the forwardhousing section. Mounting of pressureapplying rolls 108 and 110 onopposite sections of the camera housing permits the rolls to be spacedapart along with the housing sections, thereby facilitating loading ofthe camera and particularly threading of the leading end of carriersheet 78 between the rolls. Roll 110 is mounted for limited movementtoward and away from roll 108 and is biased toward roll 108 by aU-shaped spring 122 having arms which engage stub shafts 116.

Pressure-applying rolls 108 and 110, while being springbiased toward oneanother, are preferably mounted so that there is a fixed minimum gapbetween them. This minimum gap between the rolls is preferablyapproximately equal to the thickness of a film unit in the region of thephotosensitive and second sheets between which the processing fluid isto be distributed. By virtue of this construction, as a trailing endsection 74 of support sheet 70 and a second portion 78h of carrier sheet78 move between the pressure-applying rolls following a photosensitiveand second sheet, a space may be formed between the sheets in which anyexcess fluid processing composition, squeezed from between thephotosensitive and second sheets, is trapped and retained. Anotherimportant function of the gap between the rolls is leaving the film unitfree to align itself properly during movement between the rolls prior tospreading of the processing fluid.

Suitable means such as a light-seal roll 104 comprising a resilient,readily deformable material such as sponge rubber, felt and the like,may be provided mounted in passage 104 for closing the passage againstthe admission of light. Roll 114 is mounted on a U-shaped spring 126 onrear housing section 90 so that roll 114 is free to rotate and to movetoward and away from a portion of wall section 106 defining the forwardside of passage 104.

Camera 86 comprises means providing an elongated chamber for containinga print-receiving sheet separated from its respective photosensitivesheet to permit exposure of the latter, and means for separating theprintreceiving sheet from the photosensitive sheet and guiding theprint-receiving sheet into the chamber. In the form shown, this chambercomprises an elongated, shallow, flexible container in the form of anenvelope or bag 128, secured to door 96 and connected at its open end toreentrant section 92 and forward wall section 106 in closing relation toan aperture therein. Container 12S is formed of a exible material whichpermits door 96 to be opened and closed and a material which is opaqueto actinic light so that light does not enter the camera through thecontainer. Materials suitable for this purpose include fabrics, sheetrubber, organic plastics, and combinations of such materials.

As a means for separating the print-receiving sheet from the remainderof the film assemblage as the printreceiving sheet is drawn in thedirection of pressureapplying rolls 108 and 110 through second aperture68 in forward wall 64 of container 62 and for guiding theprint-receiving sheet into envelope 128, there is provided a stripperplate 130 mounted at its ends on a pair 0f members, one of these memberscomprising a generally C-shaped mounting member 134 pivotally mountedwithin the camera housing on forward housing section 88 adjacent therear of the housing and roll 108. Stripper' plate 130 has an operativeposition (shown in FIG. 7) wherein it is disposed at an angle withrespect to the plane of the print-receiving sheets of the lm assemblage(and the focal plane of the camera lens) with its rearmost edge portion,designated 132, extending transversely of the lm assemblage and locatedwithin second aperture 68 against leading end portion 76 of supportsheet 70. In this operative position of the stripper plate, as carriersheet 78 and support sheet 70 are drawn between lips 80 on housing 62and edge 132 of plate 130, the plate is adapted to project betweentrailing end section 74 and leading end section 76 of support sheet 70,guiding the print-receiving sheet forwardly into envelope 128.

At least one of the members mounting separator plate comprises, in theform shown, a generally C-shaped mounting member 134 having two armportions disposed at an acute angle with respect to one another andbeing pivotally mounted at the juncture of the arm portions on a stud orpin 136. Member 134 includes a first arm portion 138 extending forwardlyand upwardly and mounting stripper plate 130 and a second arrn portion140 extending upwardly adjacent the rear of the camera housing andhaving a forwardly extending projection 142 at its upper end. A spring144 is provided at stud 134 for biasing member 134 in a clockwisedirection so as to urge stripper plate 130 rearwardly into a firstposition shown in FIG. 7 wherein the stripper plate is operative toguide a print-receiving sheet into envelope 128 and arrest the movementof the sheet.

Stripper plate 130, in its first or operative position, is preferablylocated substantially parallel with a portion of reentrant section 92 soas to define a relatively narrow passage between the reentrant sectionand the surface of the stripper plate. As the leading end of aprint-receiving sheet enters this passage between the stripper plate andreentrant section 92, the fold in the mask sheet, where leading endsection 76 and intermediate section 71 join, ngages rear edge portion132 of the stripper plate as shown in FIG. 6, arresting the movement ofthe printreceiving sheet with the latter located within flexibleenvelope 128. Further tension on carrier sheet 78 is not effective towithdraw the print-receiving sheet from the camera, since movement ofthe print-receiving sheet would require that it bend very sharply aroundrear edge portion 132, such bending being prevented because of inherentstiffness of the print-receiving sheet and the proximity of the stripperplate to reentrant section 92.

Stripper plate 130 is pivotable from its operative position in aclockwise direction to a third or inoperative position shown in brokenlines in FIG. 8, wherein the stripper plate is located forward of itsoperative position. In this position, a print-receiving sheet can bewithdrawn from envelope 128 around edge 132 of the stripper plate andbetween pressure-applying rolls 108 and 110.

Manually operable control means are provided for retaining stripperplate 130 in operative position and controlling the rotation of stripperplate 130 so as to permit movement of the sheets and return movement ofthe stripper plate to operative position. This control means includes acontrol lever 146 pivotally mounted intermediate its ends ori a shaft147 between first and second arm portions 138 and 140 of mounting member134. Lever 146 includes a first elongated section 148l normallyextending rearwardly adjacent projection 142 toward arm portion 140 intoa first or operative position shown in FIG. 7 wherein first section 148engages second arm portion 140 of member 134 for preventing anysubstantial clockwise rotation of the mounting member from its operativeposition. Lever 146 includes a relatively short second section 154 and astud 156 is provided mounted on the forward housing section in the pathof movement of the second section of the lever for engaging the secondsection and preventing clockwise movement of lever 146 past itsoperative position. Stud 156 lalso extends into the path of rotation offirst arm portion 138 for preventing counterclockwise rotation ofmounting member 134 past its operative position. Control lever 146 ispivotable in a clockwise direction to a second or release position forpivoting mounting member 134 in a clockwise direction to a second orrelease position shown in solid lines in FIG. 8. During pivotal movementof control lever 146 into its second position the end of rst section 148coacts with edge section 158 of arm portion 138 of the mounting memberfor pivoting the latter into release position. The center of rotation ofcontrol member 146 (shaft 147) and the positions of stud 152 and thepoint of attachment of spring 150 to the control member are so arrangedthat the spring is moved from one side of the center of rotation of thecontrol member to the other side thereof, during rotation of the controlmember from its first position (FIG. 7) to its second position (FIG. 8).In this manner, the spring functions to retain the control lever in itssecond position instead of returning the control lever to its firstposition, thereby also retaining mounting member 134 and the stripperplate in release position.

In order to withdraw a film assemblage from the camera, the operatorpivots control member 146 to release position, manually operable means(not shown) coupled with shaft 147 being provided for this purpose. Theoperator then grasps the portions of support sheet and carrier sheet 78projecting from the camera and draws on the two sheets, causing stripperplate and mounting member 134 to pivot to a third position, shown inbroken lines in FIG. 8 of the drawings. In this third position of thestripper plate the latter is spaced furthest from reentrant section 92and container 62 of the film unit to provide space for curving ofprint-receiving sheet 58 so that it can be drawn around edge portion 132of the stripper plate between pressure-applying rolls 108 and 110 fromthe camera. As mounting member 134 is pivoted into its third position,projection 142 coacts with second section 154 of control lever 146,pivoting the control lever in a clockwise direction to a positionwherein spring is again operative for pivoting the control lever to itsfirst position. When print-receiving sheet 58 has been withdrawn frombag 128 and from between the stripper plate and reentrant section 92,the stripper plate and mounting member therefor may then return to theirfirst positions under the bias of spring 144, in readiness to engage theprint-receiving element of the next successive film unit and guide thelatter into bag 128.

In the film assemblages and photographic apparatus illustratedheretofore, the second or print-receiving sheet is the sheet which isrotated through approximately 180, with respect to another sheet, froman initial storage position to a processing position. In another form offilm assemblage and apparatus illtistrated in FIG. l() of the drawings,it is the photosensitive sheet which is rotated through 180 from aninitial storage position to a processing position. This film assemblage,designated 159. comprises a container having a slot 162 at one endthrough which a series of connected film units, each including aphotosensitive sheet 164 and a second sheet 166, may be withdrawn, Thephotosensitive and second Sheets are arranged in overlying stackedrelation within container 160 with the trailing ends of thephotosensitive sheets located at the end of the assemblage in which slot162 is located and with the trailing ends of the second sheets locatedat the opposite end of the assemblage from slot 162. The foremostphotosensitive sheet, i.e., the first to be exposed, is located with itstrailing end adjacent and in alignment with slot 162 and subsequentsecond and photosensitive sheets are arranged in alternating orderbehind the foremost photosensitive sheet. The photosensitive sheets aremounted on a series of connected carrier sheets, the foremostphotosensitive sheet being mounted on a first carrier sheet, designated168, which extends behind the photosensitive sheet and is attached tothe front surface thereof, i.e., the surface thereof to be exposed, atthe leading end of the photosensitive sheet. A second carrier sheet,designated 170, is joined to the first carrier sheet midway between theends of the photosensitive sheet and includes a first section aextending between the first photosensitive sheet and the firstprintreceiving sheet toward the trailing end of the photosensitivesheet, a second section 170b extending toward the trailing end of therst print-receiving sheet, a third section 170e extending behind thefirst print-receiving sheet toward the leading end thereof, and a fourthsection 170d extending behind the next successive photosensitive sheettoward the leading end thereof where the fourth section is secured tothe forward surface of the second photosensitive sheet. The secondsection of carrier sheet 170 is secured to that surface of the firstprint-receiving sheet which is superposed with the first photosensitivesheet and is provided with a rectangular aperture defining the area ofthe print-receiving sheet with which the fiuid is spread in contact. Arupturable container 174 of processing tiuid is mounted on secondsection 170b of second carrier sheet 170 adjacent the leading end ofprint-receiving sheet 166 in position to discharge its contents forspreading between the print-receiving sheet and a photosensitive sheetsuperposed therewith. The sheet materials, processing fiuid, containers,etc., and their composition and construction, comprising film assemblage159; and the photographic process performed by the film assemblage, maybe essentially the same as those described for film unit 10 and/or filmassemblage 54. Each photosensitive sheet 164 is also provided with arelatively short trailer sheet 176 at its trailing end adapted tocooperate wtih the carrier sheet for collecting any excess processingfluid spread from between the trailing ends of the photosensitive sheetand a second sheet superposed therewith during processing of the sheets.

The camera, designated 180, for use with film assemblage 159, comprisesa housing having a first section 182 defining an exposure chamber 184for holding a photosensitive sheet in position for exposure and a secondsection 186 providing a storage chamber disposed generally at rightangles to chamber 184 for holding film assemblage 159. First housingsection 182 includes a forward wall 188 having an exposure aperture 190for admitting light to chamber 184 for exposing a photosensitive sheetpositioned within the chamber across the exposure aperture. The cameraincludes exposure means in the form of a conventional lens and shutterassembly 192 coupled with first housing section 182 by a bellows 194,the latter providing an enclosed light path between the lens and shutterassembly and the exposure aperture in forward wall 190.

The camera housing includes means providing a third or processingchamber 196 connecting exposure chamber 184 and the storage chambercontaining the film assemblage. The storage chamber is separated fromthe third chamber by a `wall 197 providing an opening into the thirdchamber adjacent one end of the exposure chamber. A guide member 198 isprovided in third chamber 196 extending toward the opening in the secondchamber 187 for guiding photosensitive sheets from the storage chamberinto the first chamber and film assemblage 159 is positioned within thestorage chamber with slot 162 in container 160 aligned with the openingin the storage chamber so that, as a photo sensitive sheet is withdrawnfrom the container of the film assemblage trailing end first, thetrailing end of the photosensitive sheet extends into engagement withguide member 198. Third chamber 196 is provided with a withdrawalpassage 200 in the side thereof opposite first chamber 184 and a pair ofjuxtaposed pressure-applying rolls 202 and 204 are mounted in thirdchamber 196 adjacent withdrawal passage 200 for applying compressivepressure to the photosensitive and second elements of each film unit ofassemblage 159 as the elements are withdrawn through the third chamberbetween the pressure-applying rolls. Means are provided in passage 200for sealing the latter against the admission of light, and thislight-sealing means may comprise a resilient material, such as ocking206, for yieldingly engaging the sheet materials as they are movedthrough the passage.

Second housing section 186 includes a rear door 206 pivotally connectedto the remainder of the housing section adjacent the end thereofopposite the pressure-applying rolls. Pressure-applying roll 202 ismounted, together with dividing wall 208, so that roll 202 may ibespaced apart from roll 204 to permit loading of the camera. In order toload the camera, door 206, including 'wall 208, is opened to allow thefilm assemblage to be positioned within the second chamber. At the timethe film assemblage is loaded into the camera, a portion of firstcarrier sheet 168, extending from container 160, is threaded through theprocessing chamber and positioned between the pressure-applying rolls soas to extend through passage 200 when door 206 is pivoted into a closedposition. In order to make an exposure, the operator then pulls on theportion of carrier sheet 168 which projects from passage 200, drawingthe first photosensitive sheet through slot 162 into engagement withguide member 198 which guides the latter into exposure chamber 184 wherethe photosensitive sheet is held in position for exposure. To processthe exposed photosensitive sheet, the operator again pulls on carriersheet 168, drawing the photosensitive sheet from chamber 184 around theend of guide member 198 into third chamber 196 into superposition with aprint-receiving sheet, drawn at the same time from container 160, toform a sandwich which is drawn between the pressure-applying rolls fromthe camera.

An indexing device is provided in the camera for arresting the movementof the sheet materials when a photosensitive sheet is positioned forexposure within chamber 184. This indexing device comprises a supportmember 210 mounted within third chamber 196 for supporting a portion ofcarrier sheet 168 against an engagement member in the form of a pin 212.To provide for indexing, the carrier sheet is formed with at least oneopening, preferably in a margin thereof, into which pin 212 projects forarresting the movement of the carrier sheet when a photosensitive sheetis in position for exposure. Pin 212 is mounted on one end of agenerally V-shaped lever 214, pivotally mounted intermediate its endswithin chamber 196 and having a pushbutton 216 projecting from thehousing to provide manually engageable means for pivoting lever 214. Thelever is spring-biased (in a counterclockwise direction viewing FIG. soas to urge pin 212 against carrier sheet 168 positioned on supportmember 210. When the operator desires to process a photosensitive sheetfollowing exposure thereof, he merely presses button 216 inwardly todisengage pin 212 from an opening in carrier sheet 168, to allow thecarrier sheet to be moved for drawing the exposed photosensitive sheetin superposition with a second sheet between the pressureapplying rollsand for drawing the next successive photosensitive sheet into exposurechamber 184.

As noted above, another basic type of film assemblage takes the form oftwo rolls or coils; and reference is now made to FIGS. 11 through 14 ofthe drawings 'wherein a lm assemblage of this type is illustratedtogether with a camera for employing the film assemblage. The filmassemblage comprises a first carrier sheet 220 mounting a sequence of lmelements 222 and a second carrier sheet 224 mounting a sequence ofrupturable fluid-carrying containers 226. Each film element is of thetype adapted to be exposed through one surface and then processed by afiuid distributed against the opposite surface. A film assemblage ofthis type is shown, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 2,944,- 894, issuedJuly l2, 1960, to Edwin H. Land, and comprises a photographic screen228, an image-receiving layer 230, a stripping layer 232 and aphotosensitive layer 234, the three layers being carried on the screenin the order stated. The screen may comprise colored filter elements ora linticular screen, through which light is directed for exposing thephotosensitive layer and viewing a transfer image carried by theimage-receiving layer. The three layers comprise a unitary elementduring exposure and processing so that precise registration ismaintained between the screen, latent image and transfer image.

Each film element 222 is mounted on first carrier sheet 220 with thephotosensitive layer of the fiini element facing the carrier sheet toallow exposure of the photosensitive layer to be made through the screenand the image-receiving and stripping layers. The film element issecured at a transverse edge to the carrier sheet by a hinge 236 whichpermits the film element to be pivoted about the edge through withrespect to the carrier sheet to bring the screen into facing relationwith the carrier sheet and allow the photosensitive layer of the filmelement to be superposed with the second carrier sheet. Followingexposure of the photosensitive element, it is moved from exposureposition and it is during this movement from exposure position that theelement is pivoted through 180 with respect to the carrier sheet and thephotosensitive layer is superposed in face-to-face contact with thesecond carrier sheet `with a rupturable container 226 located betweenthe second carrier sheet and an end edge of the film element and the twocarrier sheets. The film element and rupturable container are movedbetween a pair of pressure-applying members for distributing theprocessing fluid from the container in a layer 235 between thephotosensitive layer and the second carrier sheet to form a sandwich(see FIG. 13) and etiect the formation of a transfer image in theimage-receiving layer of the lm element. Stripping layer 232 of the filmelement comprises a material soluble in the processing fiuid and isweakened by the processing fiuid so that, following processing thephotosensitive layer can be stripped, together with the second carriersheet and container, from the film element including the screen andimage-receiving layer carrying the transfer image.

The camera for use with this film assemblage is basically the same asthe camera illustrated in the aforementioned U.S. Pat. No. 2,455,111 andsold by Polaroid Corporation. The camera comprises three housingsections, designated a forward section 238, an intermediate section 240and a rear section 243, and provides a first storage chamber 244 at oneend for the photosensitive niaterials, in this case a roll of firstcarrier sheet 220 carrying film elements 222 and a second storagechamber 246 at its opposite end for holding a roll of second carriersheet 244. The forward housing section includes a forward wall 248cooperating with intermediate housing section 240 to provide an exposurechamber 250 through which first carrier sheet 220 is guided. Forwardwall 248 is provided with an exposure aperture 252 and guide tracks 254projecting into the exposure aperture from the sides thereof forengaging the margins of film elements 222 and positioning each elementfor exposure at the focal surface of the lens of the camera. A springand pressure plate assembly 255 is provided mounted on intermediatesection 240 for supporting film elements 222 against guide tracks 254 inposition for exposure.

The camera includes a pair of pressure-applying rolls 256 and 258mounted in juxtaposition within second storage chamber 246 adjacent anopening therein leading to a processing chamber 260 located betweenintermediate and rear housing sections 240 and 242 behind the exposurechamber. Each film element carried on carrier sheet 220 is drawn,following exposure, from exposure chamber 250 around pressure-applyingroll 258 into superposition with second carrier sheet 224 between rolls256 and 258 into processing chamber 260, wherein the sandwich comprisingthe two carrier sheets, film element and layer of processing fluid isallowed to remain during a processing period of predetermined duration.Rear housing section 242 is provided with a door 262 at the rear of theprocessing chamber, which door may be opened at the end of theprocessing period to permit removal of the processed film element fromthe camera. To facilitate removal of the film element, second carriersheet 224 is provided with a scored or precut section which is alignedwith each photosensitive element during processing and can be tornreadily from the remainder of the second carrier sheet. The structure ofthe second carrier sheet, in this respect, resembles the structure ofthe printreceiving sheet shown in the aforementioned U.S. Pat. No.2,579,587. The camera also includes an indexing mechanism for arrestingthe movement of the sheet materials through the camera when a filmelement is in position for exposure. For examples of such an indexingmechanism, reference may be had to any of the cameras now being marketedby Polaroid Corporation or to U.S. Pat. No. 2,543,159, issued Feb. 27,1951, in the name of Murry N. Fairbank.

A lens and shutter assembly 264 is provided on the camera connected toforward wall 248 by a conventional folding bellows 266 which cooperateswith the forward Wall to form exposure chamber 250. Following exposureof a film element and prior to superposition of the film element withthe second carrier sheet, the film element is rotated through 180 withrespect to the first carrier sheet about the transverse edge of the filmelement at which the latter is hinged to the carrier sheet. This pivotalmovement of the film element occurs during movement of the film elementfrom exposure position into superposition with the second carrier sheetand is effected within the [processing] exposure chamber defined bybellows 266 and forward wall 248. To effect the pivotal movement of thecarrier sheet, forward wall 248 is provided with a guide section 268positioned in the path of movement of the film element across the focalplane of the camera for engaging the free edge of each fllm element asit is moved from exposure position toward pressure-applying roll 258 andguiding the film element forwardly within bellows 266 toward the lensand shutter assembly of the camera. The free end of film element 222 isdrawn against guide section 269 as the first carrier sheet is drawn pastthe guide section and continued movement of the first carrier sheetcauses the film element to be drawn past the guide section aroundpressure-applying roll 258 as hinge 236 comes into alignment with theguide section.

Since certain changes may be made in the above apparatus withoutdeparting from the scope of the invention herein involved, it isintended that all matter contained in the above description or shown inthe accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and notin a limiting sense.

What is claimed is:

l. Photographic apparatus for exposing and processing photosensitivesheet materials, said apparatus comprising, in combination, a housingfor holding a photographic film assemblage including photosensitive andsecond sheets movable with respect to one another into superpositionwith one another and a third sheet for connecting said photosensitiveand second sheets and moving said sheets through said apparatus; saidhousing including means providing a first chamber for holding said thirdsheet and at least one of said photosensitive and second sheets, asecond chamber for holding said one sheet apart from the other of saidphotosensitive and second sheets during exposure of said photosensitivesheet and a third chamber enclosing means for distributing a processingfiuid between said photosensitive and second sheets during movement ofsaid sheets in superposition through said third chamber; means forguiding said one sheet from an initial position in said first chamber,wherein said one sheet is disposed, prior to exposure of saidphotosensitive sheet, with one surface of said one sheet in facingrelation with a surface of said third sheet, into said second chamber;means for guiding said one sheet from said second chamber intosuperposition with said other of said photosensitive and second sheetsin said third chamber; and guide means for engaging said one sheetduring movement thereof between said first, second and third chambersand pivoting said one sheet through an angle of 180 with respect to saidthird sheet about an axis extending transversely of the direction ofmovement of said sheets to bring the other surface of said one sheetinto facing relation with said surface of said third sheet.

2. The photographic apparatus of claim 1, wherein said one sheetpositioned within said second chamber comprises Said photosensitivesheet and said housing means includes an aperture opening into saidsecond chamber for admitting light to said second chamber to expose saidphotosensitive sheet.

3. The photographic apparatus of claim 1, wherein said housing meanscomprises an aperture opening into said first chamber for transmittinglight to said first chamber to expose said photosensitive sheet, saidscond sheet is initially located within said first chamber between saidaperture and said photosensitive sheet, and said guide means isconstructed for moving said second sheet from said first chamber intosaid second chamber to permit exposure of said photosensitive sheetwithin said first chamber.

4. In photographic apparatus for exposing and processing a photographicfilm assemblage including a photosensitive sheet and a second sheetsuperposed and coupled with said photosensitive sheet and arranged withone side of said photosensitive sheet facing one side of said secondsheet, in combination:

a housing including means for holding said film assemblage in an initialposition with said sheets in facing sheet;

means defining a first path along which said film assemblage is movablefrom said initial position;

guide means located in said first path of movement of said filmassemblage for engaging one of said sheets during movement thereof alongsaid first path and guiding said one sheet along a second path into anintermediate position in which said one sheet is pivoted with respect tothe other of said sheets apart from said other sheet;

said guide means including means for guiding said one sheet from saidintermediate position along a third path into superposition with saidother sheet with said one side of said one sheet facing away from saidother sheet during movement of said other sheet along said first path;and

means located in said first path for distributing a processing liquidwithin said film assemblage in contact with said photosensitive sheetfollowing superpositioning of said sheets by said means.

5. The photographic apparatus of claim 4 wherein said guide meansinclude means for locating and holding said one sheet in position forexposure at said intermediate position of said one sheet.

6. The photographic apparatus of claim 4 in which means are provided forphotoexposing said other sheet when said one sheet is in saidintermediate position, and said housing includes means for locating andholding said other sheet in position for exposure at said initialposition of said film assemblage.

7. The photographic apparatus of claim 4 in which means are provided forphotoexposing said one sheet when said film assemblage is in saidinitial position, and said housing includes means for locating andholding said one sheet in position for exposure at said initial positionof said film assemblage.

8. The photographic apparatus of claim -4 in which said housing includesa first chamber for holding said film assemblage in said initialposition, a second chamber for holding said one sheet in saidintermediate position, a third chamber enclosing the last-mentionedmeans for distributing said processing liquid and means for guiding saidother sheet along said first path from said first chamber to and throughsaid third chamber; and said guide means are located intermediate saidlirst and third chambers for guiding said one sheet along said secondand third paths respectively into and from said second chamber andpivoting said iirst sheet through 180 with respect to said other sheetabout an axis between said first and third chambers.

9. The photographic apparatus of claim 8 in which means are provided forphotoexposing said one sheet within said second chamber and for locatingsaid one sheet in proper position for exposure within said secondchamber.

10. The photographic apparatus of claim 8 in which means are providedfor photoexposing a sheet within said rst chamber and for holding saidother sheet in position for exposure within said first chamber followingmovement of said one sheet into said second chamber.

1I. Photographic apparatus for use with a composite photographic productof the type comprising an elongated strip having a leading end and atleast one sheet hingedly secured along one end to an intermediateportion of one face of said strip, said sheet having an image receivingarea on one face thereof and being arranged on said strip so that itsfree end extends toward said leading end and said image area facesoutwardly from said strip, said image area being adapted forphotographic processing in conjunction with un associated area carriedby said strip rearwardly of the hinged connection, said apparatuscomprising:

a housing providing a supply chamber for holding said comtpositeproduct,

and a processing chamber;

means forming a passageway extending between said chamber and throughwhich said sheet may be transferred from said supply chamber to saidprocessing chamber by moving said strip, leading-end-foremost,therealong in the direction of said processing chamber;

and means located along said passageway intermediate said chambers andeective upon such movement of the sheet-bearing portion of said striptherepast for effectively inverting said sheet about its hingeconnection with said strip to bring said image area into position forprocessing with its associated area on said strip.

I2. Photographic apparatus as in claim Il further comprising processingmeans associated with said processing chamber for pressing solid imagearea into substantial face-to-face relationship twith said associatedarea.

13. `Photographic apparatus as in claim 11 for use with such a productwherein one of said areas is photosensitive, said housing being furtherprovided with an exposure station to which said photosensitive area isbrought for exposure thereof during the course of said movement fromsaid supply to said processing chamber and prior to the inversion ofsaid sheet on said strip.

I4. Photognaphic apparatus as in claim 13 further comprising processingmeans associated with said processing chamber for pressing saidphotosensitive area and associated other area into substantialface-to-face relationship upon inversion of said sheet on said strip.

15. Photographic apparatus for use with a composite photographic productof the type comprising an elongated strip having a leading end and atleast one sheet of imagereceptive material adapted for photographicprocessing in conjunction with said strip, said sheet being hingedlysecured at its one end to an intermediate portion of said strip and withits free and extending toward the leading end of said strip, saidapparatus comprising:

a house providing a supply chamber for holding said composite productwithin said housing,

a passageway for said product extending from said supply chamber,

a sheet-receiving chamber having an opening communicating with midpassageway intermediate the length of said passageway,

and means associated with said sheet-receiving chamber and saidpassageway and effective upon movement of said strip,leading-end-foremost, along said passageway in a direction away fromsaid supply chamber for directing said sheet, free-end-foremost, throughsaid opening into said chamber,

and said means being responsive to further movement of said strip alongsaid passageway in said same direction to pull said sheet,hnged-end-foremost, from said chamber whereby to ef'ectively invert saidsheet relative to said strip for processing in conjunction with thethen-underlying portion of said strip,

16. Photographic apparatus as in claim 15, further comprising meanslocated along said passageway beyond said opening for pressing saidstrip and sheet toward one another into substantial face-to-facerelationship.

17. Photographic apparatus as in claim I5, wherein said passagewaybeyond said opening is formed to provide a processing chamber the lengthof which is at least las great as the length of said sheet.

18. Photographic apparatus as in claim 17, further comprising meansassociated with said processing chamber for pressing said strip andsheet toward one another into substantial face-to-face relationship.

19. A camera for exposing and processing a composite photographicproduct of the type including an elongated strip having leading andtrailing ends and a plurality of sheets individually hingedly securedalong their trailing edges at spaced intervals along one face of saidstrip, each sheet being provided with a photosensitive layer ,facingoutwardly from said strip and said strip carrying atransfer-image-receptve layer rearwardly of and associated with eachsuch sheet, said camera comprising:

a substantially light-tight housing providing an exposure chamber,

a processing chamber,

and a supply chamber for said composite product;

guide means within said housing and including a divider between saidexposure and processing chambers,

means for guiding said strip along a rst path extending from said supplychamber past said divider ort one side thereof and through saidprocessing chamber,

means eectve upon movement of said strip along said first path towardsaid processing chamber for directing the leading edge of each saidsheet along a second path branching from said first path and passing onthe other side of said divider and into said exposure chamber forexposure of said photosensitive layer,

said divider being effective upon continued movement of said strip insaid same direction along said first path to cause such sheet to beeectively pulled, hinged-end-foremost back past said divider and throughsaid processing chamber in inverted position on said strip with saidphotosensitive and imagereceptive layers facing one another,

and means associated with said processing chamber for pressing saidlayers toward one another for conjoint processing.

20. Photographic apparatus for use with a composite photographic productof the type comprising an elongated strip having a leading end and aplurality of discrete sheets carried by said strip, each sheet having animagereceiving area on one face thereof, and said sheets beingindividually hingedly secured along one end to one face of said strip atlongitudinally spaced intervals therealong and positioned thereon withtheir free ends extending toward the leading end of said strip and withtheir image areas facing outwardly therefrom, said sheets being adaptedfor photographic processing in conjunction with associated portions ofsaid strip, said apparatus comprising:

a housing providing a supply chamber for said composite product,

and a processing chamber,

means forming a passageway extending from said supply chamber to saidprocessing chamber and through which said sheets may be transferredfromt said supply chamber to said processing chamber by moving saidstrip, leading-end-first, therealong in the direction of said processingchamber,

and means located along said passageway intermediate said chambers andeective upon such movement of each sheet-bearing portion of said striptherepast for effectively inverting the sheet carried by that portion ofsaid strip about its hinge connection with said strip to place its imagearea into position facing said strip for conjoint processing therewith.

21. Photographic apparatus for use with a composite photographic productof the type comprising an elongated strip having a leading end, and aplurality of sheets individually hingedly secured at one end to one faceof said strip at longitudinally spaced locations thereon with each sheethaving its free end extending forwardly along said strip toward saidleading end and having an imagereceiving area thereon facing outwardlyfrom said strip and adapted for photographic processing in conjunctionwith an associated image-receiving area carried on said strip immediaterearwardly of each said sheet, said apparatus comprising,

a housing providing a supply chamber for holding a supply of saidcomposite product,

a sheet-receiving chamber having a mouth at one end thereof,

and an exit opening spaced from said chambers and through which saidstrip may be withdrawn from said housing;

means for guiding said strip for movement along a predetermined pathlying entirely outside of said sheet-receiving chamber and extendingfrom said supply chamber. past the mouth of said sheet-receiving chamberand to and through said exit opening,

and means effective upon movement of said strip, leading-end-foremost,so as to move one of the sheetbearing portions thereof from said supplychamber and along said path past said sheet-receiving chamber to directthe sheet carried by such portion, free-endforemost, through said mouthand into said sheetreceiving chamber,

continued movement of said strip in said same direction causing saidsheet to be pulled, hinged-end-foremost, from said mouth whereby toeffectively invert said sheet on said strip portion to superimpose theassociated pair of image-receiving areas in substantial face-to-facerelationship for conjoint processing.

22. Photographic apparatus as in claim 21 wherein means is providedalong that portion of said path between said mouth and said exit openingfor pressing said strip and said individual sheets together.

23. Photographic apparatus as in claim 2l for use with a product as setforth therein and wherein one of each associated pair of image areas isphotosensitive, said apparatus further comprising an exposure station towhich the photosensitive one of each pair of image areas is moved priorto its face-to-face superimposition with its associated image area.

24. Photographic apparatus as in claim 21 for use with a product as setforth therein and wherein the image-area on each said sheet isphotosensitive, one side of said sheetreceiving chamber being providedwith an exposure opening opposite which the photosensitive image-area ofeach sheet is positioned when said strip is positioned along said pathso that its hinge connection with said sheet is substantially directlyopposite the mouth of said sheet-receiving chamber.

25. Photographic apparatus for use with a hlm assemblage including a rstsheet having a leading end and a second sheet having an image-receivingarea on one face thereof hingedly secured at one end to an intermediateportion of said first sheet with its free end extending toward saidleading end of said first sheet and said sheets arranged with one sideof said second sheet facing said first sheet, said image-receiving areabeing adapted for photographic processing in conjunction with anassociated area carried by said )rst sheet rearwardly of the hingedconnection, said apparatus comprising, in combination:

a housing including means defining a storage chamber for holding saidfilm assemblage and a processing chamber;

means extending between said storage and processing chambers for guidingsaid first sheet, leading-endforemost, along a predetermined path fromsaid storage chamber toward said processing chamber; and

means located along said path intermediate said chambers and effectiveupon movement of said first sheet therepast for effectively pivotingsaid second sheet about said hinged connection with said first sheet tobring the other side of said second sheet into facing relation with saidfirst sheet and locate said imagereceiving area in position forprocessing in conjunction with its associated area carried by said firstsheet.

26. Photographic apparatus for use with a film assemblage including afirst sheet having a leading end and a second sheet having animage-receiving area on one face thereof hingedly secured at one end toan intermediate portion of said first sheet with its free end extendingtoward said leading end of said first sheet and said sheets arrangedwith one side of said second sheet facing said first sheet, saidapparatus comprising, in combination:

a housing including means for holding said film assemblage in an initialposition within said housing;

means defining a passageway for guiding said assemblage along a firstpath from said initial position to a second position;

means providing a chamber communicating with said passagewayintermediate the length thereof for receiving said second sheet;

guide means associated with said means providing said passageway andsaid chamber and effective upon movement of said rst sheet,leading-end-foremost, along said passageway from said initial positionin the direction of said second position for directing said secondsheet, free-end-foremost, from said first path along another path intosaid chamber; and

said guide means being responsive to further movement of said firstsheet along said rst path in said same direction to pull said secondsheet, hinged-end-foremost, from said chamber and eectivelyinvert saidsecond sheet relative to said first sheet to bring the other side ofsaid second sheet into facing relation with said first sheet.

27. Photographic apparatus for use with a hlm assemblage including afirst sheet and a second sheet connected to one another, one of saidsheets having an area on one face thereof in which an. image is formed,said apparatus comprising, in combination:

a housing including means for holding said film assemblage in an initialposition within said housing with said sheets arranged in superpositionwith one side of said second sheet facing said first sheet;

guide means for guiding said assemblage along a first path from saidinitial position to a second position;

said guide means being effective upon movement of said first sheet fromsaid initial position in the direction of said second position fordirecting said second sheet along another path into an intermediateposition apart from said rst sheet;

said guide means being responsive to further movement of said firstsheet to move said second sheet from said intermediate position andeffectively invert said second sheet relative to said first sheet tobring the other side of said second sheet into superposed parallelrelation with said first sheet.

28. Photographic apparatus for use with a film assem blage comprising arst sheet and a second sheet, at least one of said sheets including aportion in which an image is formed, said apparatus comprising, incombination:

a housing including storage chamber means for holding said assemblage ina first position in which said sheets are superposed in generallyparallel relation, and

means for moving one of said sheets relative to the other to second andthird positions in which said sheets are respectively out of parallelrelation and again superposed in generally parallel relation, saidsheets having toward each other in said first and third positionsdierent surfaces.

29. Photographic apparatus for use with a film assemblage comprising afirst sheet and a second sheet in connected relation therewith, at leastone of said sheets including a portion in which an image is formed, saidapparatus comprising, in combination:

a housing including storage chamber means for holding said assemblage ina first position in which said sheets are superposed in generallyparallel relation, and

means for moving one of said sheets relative to the other through theconnection therebetween to second and third positions in which saidsheets are respectively out of parallel relation and again superposed ingenerally parallel relation,

said sheets having toward each other in said first and third positionsdierent surfaces.

30. Photographic apparatus for use with a composite photographic productof the type comprising an elongated strip having a leading end and atleast one sheet hingedly secured along one end to an intermediateportion of one face of said strip, said sheet having an image receivingarea on one face thereof and being arranged on said strip so that itsfree end extends toward said leading end and said image area facesoutwardly from said strip, said image area being adapted forphotographic processing in conjunction with an associated area carriedby said strip rearwardly of the hinged connection, said apparatuscomprising:

a housing providing a supply chamber for holding said composite product,

and

a processing chamber;

means providing communication between said chambers and through whichsaid sheet may be transferred from said supply chamber to saidprocessing chamber by moving said strip, leading-end-foremost,therealong in the direction of said processing chamber; and

means located intermediate said chambers and efective upon such movementof the sheet-bearing portion of said strip therepast for eectivelyinverting said sheet about its hinge connection with said strip 22 tobring said image area into position for processing with its associatedarea on said strip.

3l. Photographic apparatus as in claim 30 further comprising processingmeans associated with said processing chamber for pressing said imagearea into substantial faceo-face relationship with said associated area.

32. Photographic apparatus as in claim 30 for use with such a productwherein one of said areas is photosensitive, said housing being furtherprovided with an exposure station to which said photosensitive area isbrought for exposure thereof during the course of said movement fromsaid supply to said processing chamber and prior to the inversion ofsaid sheet on said strip.

33. Photographic apparatus as in claim 32 further comprising processingmeans associated with said processing chamber for pressing saidphotosensitive area and associated other area into substantialface-to-face relationship upon inversion of said sheet on said strip.

34. Photographic apparatus for use with a composite photographic productof the type comprising an elongated strip having a leading end and atleast one sheet of image-receptive material adapted for photographicprocessing in conjunction with said strip, said sheet being hingedlysecured at its one end to an intermediate portion of said strip and withits free end extending toward the leading end of said strip, saidapparatus comprising:

a housing providing a supply chamber for holding said composite productwithin said housing,

communication means for said product extending from said supply chamber,a sheet-receiving chamber having an opening communicating with saidcommunication means, and

means associated with said sheet-receiving chamber and saidcommunication means and effective upon movement of said strip,leadingend-foremost, along said communication means in a direction awayfrom said supply chamber for directing said sheet, freeend-foremost,through said opening into said chamber, and

said means being responsive to further movement of said strip along saidcommunication means in said same direction to pull said sheet,hinged-end-foremost, from said chamber whereby to effectively invertsaid sheet relative to said strip for processing in conjunction with thethen-underlying portion of said strip.

35. Photographic apparatus as in claim 34, further comprising meanslocated along said communication means beyond said opening for pressingsaid strip and sheet toward one another into substantial face-to-facerelationship.

36. Photographic apparatus as in claim 34, wherein said communicationmeans beyond said opening is formed to provide a processing chamber thelength of which is at least as great as the length of said sheet.

37. Photographic apparatus as in claim 36, further comprising meansassociated with said processing chamber for pressing said strip andsheet toward one another into substantial face-to-face relationship.

38. Photographic apparatus for use with a composite photographic productof the type comprising an elongated strip having a leading end and aplurality of discrete sheets carried by said strip, each sheet having animage-receiving area on one face thereof, and said sheets beingindividually hingedly secured along one end to one face of said strip atlongitudinally spaced intervals therealong and positioned thereon withtheir free ends extending toward the leading end of said strip and withtheir image areas facing outwardly therefrom, said sheets being adaptedfor photographic processing in conjunction with associated portions ofsaid strip, said apparatus comprising:

a housing providing a supply chamber for said composite product, and aprocessing chamber;

communication means from said supply chamber to said processing chamberand through whichy said sheets may be transferred from said supplychamber to said processing chamber by moving said strip,leading-end-first, therealong in the direction of said processingchamber, and

means located intermediate said chambers and e'ective upon such movementof each sheetbearing portion of said strip therepast for effectivelyinverting the sheet carried by that portion of said strip about itshinge connection with said strip to place its image area into positionfacing said strip for conjoint processing therewith.

References Cited 7/1944 Wolff. 7/ 1949 Land. 2,909,977 10/ 1959 Eburn.

JOHN M. HORAN, Primary Examiner

1. PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS FOR EXPOSING AND PROCESSING PHOTOSENSITIVESHEET MATERIALS, SAID APPARATUS COMPRISING, IN COMBINATION, A HOUSINGFOR HOLDING A PHOTOGRAHIC FILM ASSEMBLAGE INCLUDING PHOTOSENSITIVE ANDSECOND SHEETS MOVABLE WITH RESPECT TO ONE ANOTHER INTO SUPERPOSITIONWITH ONE ANOTHER AND A THIRD SHEET FOR CONNECTING SAID PHOTOSENSITIVEAND SECOND SHEETS AND MOVING SAID SHEETS THROUGH SAID APPARATUS; SAIDHOUSING INCLUDING MEANS PROVIDING A FIRST CHAMBER FOR HOLDING SAID THIRDSHEET AND AT LEAST ONE OF SAID PHOTOSENSITIVE AND SECOND SHEETS, ASECOND CHAMBER FOR HOLDING SAID ONE SHEET APART FROM THE OTHER OF SAIDPHOTOSENSITIVE AND SECOND SHEETS DURING EXPOSURE OF SAID PHOTOSENSITIVESHEET AND A THIRD CHAMBER ENCLOSING MEANS FOR DISTRIBUTING A PROCESSINGFLUID BETWEEN SAID PHOTOSENSITIVE AND SECOND SHEETS DURING MOVEMENT OFSAID SHEETS IN SUPERPOSITION THROUGH SAID THIRD CHAMBER; MEANS FORGUIDING SAID ONE SHEET FROM AN INITIAL POSITION IN SAID FIRST CHAMBER,WHEREIN SAID ONE SHEET IS DISPOSED, PRIOR TO EXPOSURE OF SAIDPHOTOSENSITIVE SHEET, WITH ONE SURFACE OF SAID ONE SHEET IN FACINGRELATION WITH A SURFACE OF SAID THIRD SHEET, INTO SAID SECOND CHAMBER;MEANS FOR GUIDING SAID ONE SHEET FROM SAID SECOND CHAMBER INTOSUPERPOSITION WITH SAID OTHER OF SAID PHOTOSENSITIVE AND SECOND SHEETSIN SAID THIRD CHAMBER; AND GUIDE MEANS FOR ENGAGING SAID ONE SHEETDURING MOVEMENT THEREOF BETWEEN SAID FIRST, SECOND AND THIRD CHAMBERSAND PIVOTING SAID ONE SHEET THROUGH AN ANGLE OF 180* WITH RESPECT TOSAID THIRD SHEET ABOUT AN AXIS EXTENDING TRANSVERSELY OF THE DIRECTIONOF MOVEMENT OF SAID SHEETS TO BRING THE OTHER SURFACE OF SAID ONE SHEETINTO FACING RELATION WITH SAID SURFACE OF SAID THIRD SHEET.